Brandon Aubrey’s Kicks Have Become a Spectacle
Frisco — Brandon Aubrey’s kicks have become a spectacle. They’ve become a sight that’s sparked chants from Cowboys fans and stardom not often seen for a NFL kicker. So much so that Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott made a suggestion after Aubrey’s latest feat.
“We might need some music,” Prescott said. “His own special music to play.”
Aubrey has a choice already. It would be the same song he listens to in pregame. It’s the same song he listened to when he stepped on an NFL field for the first time — a seemingly improbable event for a former Major League Soccer draft pick and software engineer.
The choice: “White Horse,” by Chris Stapleton. With its wild west undertones, it’s slow enough to calm him, yet powerful enough to get his heart racing the appropriate amount, he said.
It’s a good choice. The song even, fittingly, mentions cowboys multiple times. But soon, some other songs may be more appropriate. How about AC/DC’s “Moneytalks,” or Abba’s, “Money, Money, Money,” or any of the hundreds of songs that talk about getting paid? Because, in case the point isn’t obvious, Aubrey has put himself in that situation.
Aubrey’s Performance and Potential Extension
Aubrey, a restricted free agent after this season, believes he’s the best kicker in the NFL. Since he’s been in the league, he’s backed that claim with evidence. He was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for the fourth time on Wednesday, marking the most times a Cowboys player has won that award.
He earned it after making all four of his field goals in Sunday’s 40-37 overtime win over the New York Giants. That included his 64-yard field goal to send the game into overtime and the 46-yard walk-off. In doing so, he became the first kicker in NFL history to ever have that type of combination — two kicks with no time left at the end of regulation and the end of the game.
“He won that game,” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said after the game. “He’s a terrific weapon.”
Jones was asked this week on 105.3 The Fan (KRLD-FM) about whether Aubrey could be next in line for an extension. Jones played coy, even if it was easily readable. He said they “probably” have had conversations with Aubrey’s representatives about a potential extension. He insinuated something could be happening soon.
Is it Worth it to Pay a Kicker Big Money?
There are reasons for trepidation when it comes to investing in kickers. Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo is one example. Koo, like Aubrey, has a big leg and a unique path to the NFL. He, too, had to go to a spring league and prove himself in order to get a legitimate NFL shot.
He landed with the Atlanta Falcons in 2019 and quickly solidified his spot on the team. He went 87-of-94 — roughly 92.5% — from 2019 to 2021. After that, the Falcons awarded him with a five-year deal that paid him an annual average value of $4.85 million per year.
Since the deal, Koo has struggled. He’s made roughly 82% of his kicks. He missed a pivotal kick in the season opener, prompting the Falcons to bench him this past week.
Aubrey’s Unique Situation
There’s belief around the Cowboys’ headquarters that Aubrey could be different. He may be 30, but he’s still young for a kicker. There’s not a lot of tread on the tires for a kicker who has made 82 of 91 career kicks.
“Obviously he’s got a crazy leg,” said Cowboys long snapper Trent Sieg, “and he’s hit a ton of 60 yarders that are good from 70, or so. If he loses three yards, so what? He’s hitting from 68 then.”
Aubrey’s leg power is unique. The mental part of his game might be, as well. Aubrey’s teammates and coaches have painted him as an unflappable person — someone immune to potentially dejecting factors.
What Would an Extension Look Like?
Based on conversations with people around the league, it would be reasonable to expect Aubrey to command around $7 million per year. It would be a raise from Butker, who signed for $6.4 million per year before the start of last season.
Aubrey also recently switched his representation to Todd France of Athletes First, who also represents Prescott. The Cowboys have the highest-paid guard in the NFL. They have the highest-paid player in the NFL. Soon, they could have the highest-paid kicker in the NFL, too.
Conclusion
As AC/DC once sang, money talks. And if Aubrey continues to perform at this level, he will be speaking loudly to the Cowboys and the rest of the NFL.
Aubrey has put himself in a great position, and it will be interesting to see how the Cowboys handle his contract situation. Will they make him the highest-paid kicker in the NFL? Only time will tell.
FAQs
Q: What is Brandon Aubrey’s current contract situation?
A: Aubrey is a restricted free agent after this season.
Q: What is Aubrey’s career field goal percentage?
A: Aubrey has made 82 of 91 career kicks, which is roughly 90%.
Q: How much could Aubrey potentially make per year in an extension?
A: Based on conversations with people around the league, it would be reasonable to expect Aubrey to command around $7 million per year.
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